Troon Vineyard Extended Lees Aged Grenache Blanc Applegate Valley 2022

The Data

Country USA

Appellation Applegate Valley

Varietal Grenache Blanc

Retail Price $40

ABV 12.6%

Score 5 Stars/98 points

In the Glass

Appearance

Brilliant, medium gold/green color.

Aromatics

The aromatics are intense, offering scents of pineapple, pear, and slate with supporting notes of yellow plum, lychee, citrus zest, and honeysuckle.

Flavor

The palate echoes the nose delivering a tropical fruits-driven core with flavors of orange peel, apricot, white peach, quince paste, lemon curd, and hints of bees wax. The finish is long and lingering.

Intensity & Texture

Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with an opulent texture.

Cool Factor

We love Grenache Blanc and when it's made by one of our favorite and most trusted wineries — it's destined to be ultra cool.

Value Grade

This wine is a true gem offering superb fruit, skilled winemaking, style and flavor beyond expectations — additionally it's rare. We find it to be a bargain.

Analysis

Grenache Blanc is a wonderfully versatile grape that adds both body and acidity to blends (it’s most often used in white blends), as well as acidity and sometimes a bit of structure. It is a native of Spain but it is most often associated with the wines of France’s Rhône Valley. Fortunately it is becoming popular with a handful of adventurous winemakers in the USA. This is Troon’s first varietally labeled Grenache Blanc and it has made quite an entrance. There was a bit of Grenache Blanc utilized in their Piquette! from 2022 but this solo effort shows us all what Grenache Blanc can be. This first crop of Grenache Blanc at Troon was very small — just three barrels — and hopefully there will be more in fixture vintages. This wine underwent a very long and slow fermentation in neutral French oak, as well an extended bit of aging on its lees (17 months). This later step contributes to the wine’s creamy texture and complex flavors. The wine’s generous natural acidity acts as the perfect foil to the creamy core. It was bottled unfined and unfiltered further protecting its texture and true nature. It’s an amazing Grenache Blanc debut from Troon! Get it while it lasts.

How to Enjoy

This wine really needs nothing but a glass but you may like it with grilled fowl especially if generous herbs and garlic are to be found as well.